Illegal Mining Poses a Challenge for Indonesia’s New Capital Nusantara

Nusantara covers an extensive area of more than 252,000 hectares (622,705 acres). Unfortunately, around 13,000 hectares of forest land have been negatively impacted by ‘irresponsible hands’ engaging in illegal mining and farming activities. These alarming figures were shared by Inspector General Edgar Diponegoro, who heads the Nusantara Authority for Public Security and Safety. According to Diponegoro, unlawful farming activities have damaged 8,338 hectares of forest, while illegal mines have destroyed 4,236 hectares, as confirmed during a press briefing on October 29.